A Definition of Depresion

Depression is an illness in which factors such as genetics, chemical changes in the body and external events may play an important role.  is a psychological condition that changes how you think and feel, and also affects your social behavior and sense of physical well-being.

Symptoms include sadness, inactivity, difficulty thinking and concentrating, and feelings of despair.

Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them.  A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood.  Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses such as heart disease.

Medications generally are not seen as substitutes for therapy,

Homelessness and Mental Illness
This morning, on my way to Peet's for a decaf iced mocha, I saw two young women taking pictures of what at first glance might look like two bundles of clothes on the sidewalk. Since I frequent that particular Peet's, and because I've worked in Berkeley, California, for over a year, I knew that the bundles were two people sleeping on the sidewalk. I'm not sure why that spot is a favorite, but I'm sure I'd know if I had the misfortune to be...
Cool! Bejing thinks I'm an "undesirable"!
When I heard that the Bejing Olympics committee issued a document banning mentally ill visitors, among other "undesirables," from attending the Olympics, my first thought was, "Well, color me totally not surprised." After all, why would the Chinese government be any different from other repressive government? They're just the latest in a long line of dictatorships and regimes that require uniformity and a compliant citizenry. Obviously, being...
Heather Locklear
Heather Locklear's spokesperson revealed last week that she has checked into a medical facility for diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety.Wow. That really surprised me. Britney Spears? No surprise. Amy Winehouse? Well, duh. But Heather Locklear? Through the last couple of decades she has been one of the more "together" and stable public figures. Granted, her personal situation has been pretty messy recently. Apparently her ex-husband...
My Morning Fog
It's been a long time since I've been what you would call a morning person. The first hour after I wake up, no matter whether I lay in bed or get up immediately, I speak, think and move at the speed of molasses. Since I tend to take much longer to do anything and get confused easily when I've just woken up, I try to do as much of my morning routine as possible the night before. Breakfast is limited to a bowl of cereal, since anything more...
Why do some people prefer natural treatment for depression?
Since I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, several people have suggested bee stings as an alternative treatment to the interferon beta shot I do once a week. The first time a helpful soul suggested it, I was stupefied for a minute. I mean, honestly. How is being stung by bees preferable in any way to medication? Granted, my interferon medicine does have side effects, but what would make anyone think bee stings are free from side...
Tinkering with Antidepressant Treatment
Yay! I think we may have solved the problem with my new antidepressant and gaining weight. A couple of weeks ago, I made the connection between starting Lamictal about three months ago and my recent weight gain. The purpose of the Lamictal is to augment the Wellbutrin I'm taking for my unipolar depression. It has been successful in that respect. However, despite exercising a lot more in the past three months, I've gained eight pounds. This...
Is Your Job Causing Your Depression?
Unless we're independently wealthy, most of us spend a large part of our waking hours at work. Our "second homes" can contribute positively or negatively to our well-being. If you're suffering from depression, it's worth asking yourself if your job could be a factor, or even the sole cause. Perhaps your job isn't a good fit with your personality. I found over the years that, probably because of my Attention Deficit Hyperactivity...
Abusive Bosses and Your Mental Health
As I've discussed previously, the work environment can cause or exacerbate depression. While factors such as abusive co-workers, a work environment that don't fit your personality or the type of work you're doing can make affect your mental health, in my mind, no one aspect of the workplace can put more stress on your day to day work existence than an abusive boss. I've had my share of mediocre and/or unpleasant bosses over the years,...
Weight Gain and Antidepressants
I was really skinny as a child, all the way through high school, until I went on the pill. In those days, the hormone mix for the Pill was pretty crude, and I gained a lot of weight, which I fortunately lost when I went off of it. But before the pill, I was scrawny, although my appetite was normal. I even tried downing milkshakes with raw eggs to gain weight, but I was still stick thin.Once I hit 30, my metabolism slowed down, but I still...
Recognizing the Early Signs of Depression
One corner of the kitchen in our 1950s ranch is all windows. Ceiling to hip height three-foot wide windows that let in the incredibly strong California sun. When we first moved here a little over two years ago, I had no idea how strong that sun was, and I made simple short cafe curtain ruffles just to decorate the tops of the windows. I didn't want to block the view of the back yard. That summer I found out just how relentless the sun can...

but work best together with therapy not only to relieve the depressive symptoms but to enhance the person's understanding of the and expand his or her coping strategies for dealing with the conditions that led to in the first place.  Medications of any kind prescribed, over-the counter, or borrowed should never be mixed without consulting the doctor.  Medication simply brings about a restoration, so to speak, of that balance needed to free the struggling person from the effects of depression.

Depression is an illness that affects the entire body, not just the mind.  is the leading cause of alcoholism, drug abuse and other addictions.  is frequently ignored or untreated; the condition often prevents people from taking steps to help themselves.